Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah R. MacEwan, Alice A. Gaughan, Eliza W. Beal, Courtney Hebert, John Oliver DeLancey, Ann Scheck McAlearney
Summary: This study aimed to understand the perspectives of hospital leaders and staff regarding the identification and public reporting of healthcare-associated infections. Concerns about the reliability of the data and frustrations related to the identification and accountability of reported HAIs were identified. Improved guidelines, transparency, and incentives are needed to address these concerns and ensure effective use of publicly-reported HAI data.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Faisal Alsheddi, Tabish Humayun, Manar Alsaffar, Yvonne Suzette Aldecoa, Wafa H. Alshammari, Fayez Z. Aldalbehi, Hind Alanazi, Mohammed Alqahtani, Aiman El-Saed, Abdulmajid M. Almutairi, Khalid H. Alanazi
Summary: This study aimed to present the current rates of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and device utilization ratios (DUR) among Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals. The results showed the rates of various infections and device utilization ratios, which can serve as a national benchmark for MOH hospitals and a regional benchmark for similar hospitals in the region.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Michael Behnke, John Karlsson Valik, Sophie Gubbels, Daniel Teixeira, Brian Kristensen, Mohamed Abbas, Stephanie M. van Rooden, Petra Gastmeier, Maaike S. M. van Mourik
Summary: This document, published in 2021 by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases on behalf of Elsevier Ltd, provides an overview of implementing an automated surveillance system for Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) in a clinical environment.
Written by a task force within the PRAISE network, it offers detailed guidance on key e-health aspects, data storage and structure, IT infrastructure organization, data standardization, interoperability, algorithms, and technical aspects of accessing, storing, and sharing healthcare data for HAI surveillance.
With the support of this document, along with the PRAISE roadmap and governance documents, readers will have comprehensive guidance on implementing large-scale automated surveillance in a healthcare network.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
G. E. Yamaguto, F. Zhen, M. M. Moreira, B. M. Montesanti, S. M. Raboni
Summary: This study evaluated hospital-acquired infections caused by respiratory viruses over six years, finding that in immunosuppressed patients, hematologic neoplasia was the main comorbidity, while prematurity was the most prevalent comorbidity in non-immunosuppressed patients. The results indicated that the circulation of CRVs in the hospital environment is frequent, highlighting the need for enhanced preventive measures in healthcare settings.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
J. D. M. Verberk, S. J. S. Aghdassi, M. Abbas, P. Naucler, S. Gubbels, N. Maldonado, Z. R. Palacios-Baena, A. F. Johansson, P. Gastmeier, M. Behnke, S. M. van Rooden, M. S. M. van Mourik
Summary: This study describes the design and implementation of AS systems in Europe, highlighting differences in methods, data sources, and targeted HAIs. AS systems can reduce workload for hospital staff, but implementation barriers include strict data security regulations and the establishment of information technology infrastructure.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Ali Alamer, Fawaz Alharbi, Asim Aldhilan, Ziyad Almushayti, Khalefa Alghofaily, Ayman Elbehiry, Adil Abalkhail
Summary: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are common and serious health problems in hospitals and ambulatory settings. Radiology departments globally have seen an increasing risk of HAIs due to their central role in guiding clinical decisions and the growing use of imaging techniques. Radiology departments are particularly vulnerable to HAIs due to their role as a transit hub for infected and non-infected patients and healthcare workers. The invasive nature of interventional radiology procedures also presents a greater risk of HAIs.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Henrietta Smith, Jennifer Watkins, Melissa Otis, Joan N. Hebden, Marc-Oliver Wright
Summary: This case study aims to promote standardized application of NHSN HAI surveillance definitions and encourage accurate determination of HAI events among Infection Preventionists (IPs).
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Tim Du, Kelly B. Choi, Anada Silva, George R. Golding, Linda Pelude, Romeo Hizon, Ghada N. Al-Rawahi, James Brooks, Blanda Chow, Jun C. Collet, Jeannette L. Comeau, Ian Davis, Gerald A. Evans, Charles Frenette, Guanghong Han, Jennie Johnstone, Pamela Kibsey, Kevin C. Katz, Joanne M. Langley, Bonita E. Lee, Yves Longtin, Dominik Mertz, Jessica Minion, Michelle Science, Jocelyn A. Srigley, Paula Stagg, Kathryn N. Suh, Nisha Thampi, Alice Wong, Susy S. Hota
Summary: We investigated the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of healthcare-associated and community-associated Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in adult patients in Canadian hospitals. Our study found higher mortality rate associated with healthcare-associated CDI, and a decrease in both healthcare-associated and community-associated CDI rates from 2015 to 2019. Certain ribotypes were more commonly associated with CDI-related deaths.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
M. J. Lydeamore, B. G. Mitchell, T. Bucknall, A. C. Cheng, P. L. Russo, A. J. Stewardson
Summary: This study estimates the burden of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) in Australian public hospitals using a standard international framework. The results show that there are approximately 170,574 HAIs occurring in adults admitted to public hospitals in Australia annually, resulting in 7583 deaths. Hospital acquired pneumonia is the most frequent HAI, followed by surgical site infections and urinary tract infections. The study highlights the high burden of HAIs in Australia and the need for continued investment in prevention efforts.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL
(2022)
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Katrina Browne, Brett G. Mitchell
Summary: Infection transmission in healthcare is a complex issue that involves the interplay between pathogens, hosts, and the environment. Environmental cleaning is one strategy to prevent transmission, and a multimodal intervention is key to reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections through the environment.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Medical Informatics
Yu Cao, Yaojun Niu, Xuetao Tian, DeZhong Peng, Li Lu, Haojun Zhang
Summary: This article introduces a knowledge-based healthcare-associated infections surveillance system to support clinicians in monitoring HAIs. The system extracts infection factors from both structured and unstructured electronic health data. Experimental results demonstrate that the system has a high sensitivity rate, indicating its effectiveness and reliability.
BMC MEDICAL INFORMATICS AND DECISION MAKING
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Stephanie M. van Rooden, Olov Aspevall, Elena Carrara, Sophie Gubbels, Anders Johansson, Jean-Christophe Lucet, Siddharth Mookerjee, Zaira R. Palacios-Baena, Elisabeth Presterl, Evelina Tacconelli, Mohamed Abbas, Michael Behnke, Petra Gastmeier, Maaike S. M. van Mourik
Summary: Strict governance is essential in surveillance networks, especially when manual decisions are replaced by algorithms and routine-care data is reused. Key considerations for AS networks include participation and inclusion, trust in data quality, accountability, and transparency. Involvement of stakeholders and legal specialists early in AS network development is crucial for endorsement and compliance.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Janneke D. M. Verberk, Tjallie I. I. van der Kooi, Nynke A. Kampstra, Naomi Reimes, Stephanie M. van Rooden, Titia E. M. Hopmans, Suzanne E. Geerlings, Sabine C. de Greeff
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) increased in Dutch hospitals, particularly for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), gastro-intestinal infections (GIs), and central nervous system (CNS) infections. However, no significant changes were observed in surgical site infections (SSIs), except for a decrease after colorectal surgeries. The incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) was also significantly higher during the pandemic, especially in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Brady Page, Michael Klompas, Christina Chan, Michael R. Filbin, Sayon Dutta, Dustin S. McEvoy, Roger Clark, Matthew Leibowitz, Chanu Rhee
Summary: The CDC's hospital-onset Adult Sepsis Event (HO-ASE) definition can detect many serious nosocomial infections that are missed by currently reportable HAIs. Surveillance for HO-ASE could increase efficiency and clinical significance of monitoring while also identifying new targets for prevention.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
S. D. van der Werff, E. Thiman, H. Tanushi, J. K. Valik, A. Henriksson, M. Ul Alam, H. Dalianis, A. Ternhag, P. Naucler
Summary: The study aimed to develop and validate a fully automated HA-UTI surveillance algorithm based on electronic health record data. Algorithms 4 and 5, which analyzed free-text medical notes, performed well for HA-UTI surveillance with good sensitivity and specificity.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
E. H. Lee, S. K. Lee, J. H. Cheon, H. Koh, J. A. Lee, C. H. Kim, J. N. Kim, K. H. Lee, S. J. Lee, J. H. Kim, J. Y. Ahn, S. J. Jeong, N. S. Ku, D. E. Yong, S. S. Yoon, J. S. Yeom, J. Y. Choi
Summary: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of different FMT methods for decolonizing MDRO and found that the oral capsule is an effective method. Discontinuation of antibiotics after FMT is a key factor in the success of decolonization.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yong Chan Kim, Heun Choi, Young Ah Kim, Yoon Soo Park, Young Hee Seo, Hyukmin Lee, Kyungwon Lee
Summary: Understanding the risk factors and microbiological features in recurrent E. coli BSI can aid clinicians in their management planning. Data from 2017 to 2018 were collected to assess antimicrobial resistance rates and molecular epidemiology. Risk factors for recurrence included vascular catheterization, ESBL phenotype, and high SOFA score. The highest proportion of ST131 and ESBL genotype was observed in early onset recurrent BSI. Whole genome sequencing revealed the presence of various virulence factors, resistant genes, and plasmid types in all types of BSI. This knowledge is important for clinicians in managing recurrent E. coli BSI.
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Ki Ho Hong, Gab Jung Kim, Kyoung Ho Roh, Hyukmin Lee, Ok Kyu Park, Taek Soo Kim, Jae-Seok Kim, Jaehyeon Lee, Moon-Woo Seong, So Yeon Kim, Jae-Sun Park, Younhee Park, Hee Jae Huh, Namhee Ryoo, Hyun Soo Kim, Heungsup Sung, Cheon Kwon Yoo
Summary: Since May 2022, there has been a rapid spread of monkeypox in non-endemic countries during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines proposed by the Korean Society for Laboratory Medicine and the Korea Disease Prevention and Control Agency provide recommendations for diagnosing monkeypox in clinical laboratories in Korea. These guidelines cover various aspects such as test types, specimen selection and collection, diagnostic methods, interpretation of results, and biosafety. Molecular tests are recommended as confirmatory tests, and different specimens are recommended for testing at different stages of the disease.
ANNALS OF LABORATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Haruno Yoshida, Jung -Min Kim, Takahiro Maeda, Mieko Goto, Yuzo Tsuyuki, Sachiko Shibata, Kenichi Shizuno, Katsuko Okuzumi, Jae-Seok Kim, Takashi Takahashi
Summary: This study compared the virulence factors (VFs) between Pasteurella canis and Pasteurella multocida, and identified the specific prevalence of toxin genes in clinical isolates of P. canis. These toxin genes may serve as promising targets for the rapid identification of P. canis in clinical settings.
ANNALS OF LABORATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ki Hyun Lee, Dongju Won, Jinnam Kim, Jung Ah Lee, Chang Hyup Kim, Jung Ho Kim, Su Jin Jeong, Nam Su Ku, Jun Yong Choi, Joon-Sup Yeom, Hyunsoo Cho, Haerim Chung, June-Won Cheong, Seung-Tae Lee, Ji Eun Jang, Saeam Shin, Jin Young Ahn
Summary: Whole-genome sequencing of plasma microbial Aspergillus cell-free DNA is a useful noninvasive diagnostic approach for patients with hematologic malignancies and a high risk of invasive aspergillosis. It can accurately diagnose invasive aspergillosis in patients with hematologic malignancy or COVID-19.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
S. H. Park, S. R. Yoon, J. Y. Nam, J. Y. Ahn, S. J. Jeong, N. S. Ku, J. Y. Choi, J. -S. Yeom, J. H. Kim
Summary: This nationwide cohort study demonstrated an association between tuberculosis and osteoporosis as well as osteoporotic fractures. Tuberculosis was found to independently increase the incidence of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures, particularly hip fractures.
Article
Immunology
Han Sang Kim, Chang Gon Kim, Won Kyu Kim, Kyung-A Kim, Jinseon Yoo, Byung Soh Min, Soonmyung Paik, Sang Joon Shin, Hyukmin Lee, Kyungwon Lee, Hoguen Kim, Eui-Cheol Shin, Tae-Min Kim, Joong Bae Ahn
Summary: This study found that Fusobacterium nucleatum (FN) in colorectal cancer tissues is associated with immune regulation in the tumor microenvironment, and its infection is correlated with poor prognosis and altered distribution of immune cells.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Se Yoon Park, Jaewoong Kim, Eunjung Lee, Sunghee Park, Jung-Wan Park, Shi Nae Yu, Tark Kim, Min Hyok Jeon, Eun Ju Choo, Tae Hyong Kim
Summary: This study investigated gender differences in psychosocial determinants that affect hand hygiene performance among physicians. The results showed significant differences in barriers to hand hygiene between male and female physicians. Promoting hand hygiene activities could help increase compliance with hand hygiene.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Si-Hyun Seong, Hyun Sik Kim, Yong-Moon Lee, Jae-Seok Kim, Sangwoo Park, Jieun Oh
Summary: Breath VOC analysis is a valuable non-invasive tool for identifying patients with chronic kidney disease. This study found that the composition of breath VOCs differs significantly between healthy controls and patients with chronic kidney disease. By incorporating age and specific VOCs into a multivariate model, the accuracy of identifying chronic kidney disease patients can reach 86%.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Harshad Lade, Seri Jeong, Kibum Jeon, Han-Sung Kim, Hyun Soo Kim, Wonkeun Song, Jae-Seok Kim
Summary: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are a serious public health threat due to their resistance to most antibiotics. Rapid and accurate detection of carbapenemase producing organisms (CPOs) is crucial for determining appropriate antibiotic therapy. The BD Phoenix™ CPO detect panel demonstrated high sensitivity in detecting CPE and classifying KPC as class A, although there were limitations in classifying other carbapenemase producers. Overall, this study highlights the importance of accurate detection methods for managing CRE infections.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Eunjeong Heo, Yoonhee Choi, Hyung-sook Kim, Hyung Wook Namgung, Eunsook Lee, Euni Lee, Ju-Yeun Lee, Jongtak Jung, Eu Suk Kim, Hong Bin Kim, Kyoung-Ho Song
Summary: This study aimed to describe the current status of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) at a tertiary care hospital in Korea. The results showed a high prescription rate of OPAT but low attention to follow-up visits and laboratory monitoring. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an appropriate management program for OPAT.
INFECTION AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yae Jee Baek, Gemma Park, Jun Yong Choi, Eun Jin Kim, Bryan Inho Kim, Jin Gwack, Ji Ye Jung
Summary: Prolonged viral shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in an immunocompromised host was observed for 68 days. The patient, who underwent chemotherapy, recovered after receiving convalescent plasma and intravenous immunoglobulin. Genomic analysis revealed 18 different nucleotide mutations, indicating within-host evolution.
JOURNAL OF KOREAN MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nak-Hyun Kim, Yunjung Choi, Kyungmi Kwon, Jeong Su Park, Kyoung Un Park, Song Mi Moon, Kyoung-Ho Song, Eu Suk Kim, Wan Beom Park, Hong Bin Kim
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between serum anti-α-toxin antibody levels and clinical outcomes of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). The findings suggest that lower anti-α-toxin antibody responses before and during SAB are associated with more severe clinical presentations of infection.
JOURNAL OF KOREAN MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jeong-a Lee, Yeni Kim, Joo Yeon Lee, Sejun Park, Jun-Yong Choi
Summary: An online survey conducted in Korea revealed the unmet medical needs of people living with HIV mainly focused on quality of life and mental health. The majority of participants were satisfied with their HIV management, but desired long-term therapeutic agents with low risk of resistance, high long-term viral suppression efficacy, and high level of safety. Pre-consultation screenings for quality of life and mental health would be beneficial for long-term success in HIV management.
INFECTION AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Yae Jee Baek, Kyeongmin Kim, Bo Da Nam, Jongtak Jung, Eunjung Lee, Hyunjin Noh, Tae Hyong Kim
Summary: Late-onset Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) can occur in solid organ transplant (SOT) patients and granulomatous P. jirovecii pneumonia (GPCP) is rare in this patient population. GPCP diagnosis is challenging due to low sensitivity of conventional tests and atypical patterns. This article presents a case of a 60-year-old male who developed nodular and patchy lung lesions after renal transplantation 24 years ago. Empirical treatment partially resolved the condition but relapsed after 4 months. GPCP was confirmed after surgical resection of the pulmonary nodule.
INFECTION AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)